“Earth Day and World Book Day” 1,200 BLIA members held books in hand, promoting a literary lifestyle.
In promoting Founding President Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s philosophy, “environmental and spiritual preservation,” and the “T-Earth Reforestation Project,” BLIA held the “Stories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun – 2023 Earth Day and World Book Day” on April 23 in the forested area of the Yuli Shrine Section of Hualien County. The event included activities such as tree-planting, “Stories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun Forum,” and a vegetarian meal that combined local humanities and ingredients to showcase the greenness of local vegetables and food. More than 1,200 corporate sponsors, BLIA members, and event sponsors from all of Taiwan participated in the event.
BLIA members responded to reforestation and environmental preservation tree-planting program in Yuli, Hualien. A total of 1,200 saplings were planted to promote forest restoration and ecological balance.
To honor the memory Founding President, Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the event began with a “Stories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun Under the Big Tree” forum, facilitated by BLIA World Headquarters Secretary General Ven. Chueh Pei. Panelists included World Headquarters Director Ven. Yi Kung, Hualien County Magistrate Hsu Chen-Wei, and Lay Dharma Lecturer Tai Ching Hwa, the CEO of Pure Green Foundation. Together they explored the concepts of environmental and spiritual preservation as well as a life enriched by books. The Fo Guang Choir performed songs of Sounds of the Human World, including “Wish Upon a Star,” “Reliance,” and “Faith Navigator” as a tribute to Founding President, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
“Stories of Venerable Master Hsing Yun Under the Big Tree” forum was held during the “Earth Day and World Book Day” commemorating Founding President, Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
Participants present formed the shape of the word “ZERO,” symbolizing zero carbon emissions for the Earth. Fo Guang Shan Monastery Vice Abbot, Venerable Hui Kai led the recitation of the Heart Sutra and the sincere reading of A Prayer for Nature written by Founding president, Venerable Master Hsing Yun. A tree-planting activity commenced with monastics and participants, planting tree saplings together. Actively supporting the T-Earth Reforestation Project, BLIA, Fo Guang Shan, and the Pure Green Foundation will have collectively planted 15,000 trees this year, including diverse tree species such as oak, camphor, Taiwan incense cedar, Taiwan red cedar, Japanese zelkova, and native Taiwanese tea trees; all of which contribute to the reforestation efforts in the region.
Participants present formed the word ‘ZERO’ at the event, symbolizing zero carbon emissions for the Earth
Beach Cleaning for Environmental Preservation
BLIA Dallas, U.S.A. responded to environmental preservation by cleaning up litter at Spring Creek Nature Area Park.
BLIA Congo organized a beach clean-up event to clean up 205 kilograms of garbage, restoring the beach to a cleaner and more beautiful state.
BLIA New Jersey Chapter, U.S.S. organized a beach cleanup at Raritan Bay Waterfront Park. Participants collected trash and compiled data for environmental organizations.